Bushnell Farms thanks its customers

BY ASHLEY COULOMBE

Dan and Alison Busnell with their children, Jared, age 6, Johnathan, age 4 and Joshua, age 8. Joyce Roberts photo Dan and Alison Bushnell spent the last four years planning, building, and working on a small market in Rutland as a convenient place for the community to shop. Now, after finding success, the owners of Bushnell Farms are looking to give back to their loyal customers by holding a "Customer Appreciation Day" on July 28.

Bushnell Farms opened in November 2003, selling fresh produce, deli meats, groceries, and a large assortment of wines. Since then they have expanded to sell even more products to fit customer needs and are constantly looking for input on new items to fill the shelves.

As Bushnell Farms continues to expand, Dan and Alison Bushnell have found themselves part of a growing business.

"I hope that someday it will be supporting itself. Everyone thinks it's simple, but it really isn't. Money comes in but goes right out with all of the bills to pay. It takes a lot to run, but we're not planning on going anywhere," said Alison.

To further prove that they plan on remaining a mainstay within the Rutland community, the entrepreneurial couple recently bought the space in which Bushnell Farms resides from Lenny Gengel.

"We discussed with Lenny [Gengel] last fall about purchasing the space and if he'd be open to us buying it. We finally closed the deal on April 28," said Alison.

The Bushnells were able to buy the store with the help of neighboring credit union, GFA, which put the Bushnells in contact with various companies so that they could eventually buy the space.

"Ever since we first arrived, they've been great. Sometimes they would even walk customers over to introduce them to us," said Michael Day of GFA. "They supported us since day one. We share quite a few customers, and more and more over time."

To celebrate their purchase and the store's success, Dan and Alison decided to hold "Customer Appreciation Day."

"We want to thank all of our customers for doing business with us and for making it successful," said Dan.

On Saturday, July 28, Bushnell Farms will give away free hot dogs, prizes, and will also have some sales. On Sunday, there will be a car show held in the store's parking lot.

"We've been here for almost four years and have many loyal customers. The customers are what drive this business," said Alison. "They keep coming back even when it's 10 below outside in the winter and through the summer."